Integrated bed, desk, and tablet support

ABSTRACT

A bunk bed includes: a storage area; and a hinged lid that provide access to the storage area, the hinged lid comprising a base and a back support. A bed includes: a baseboard; a set of rails; and a headboard, wherein the headboard comprises a storage area with a lid. A headboard for a bed, the headboard including: a front panel; a pair of side panels coupled to the front panel such that the side panels are perpendicular to the front panel; a rear panel coupled to the side panels such that the rear panel is parallel to the front panel; a top panel coupled to the side panels, such that the top panel is perpendicular to the side panels and the front panel; and a desktop coupled to the side panels such that the desktop is parallel to the top panel.

BACKGROUND

Many people may use a bed for working, reading, consuming entertainment, eating, and/or other such non-sleep activities. Existing beds lack accessible storage, fail to account for use of electronic devices, and do not provide support or resources for non-sleep activities.

Therefore there exists a need for a bed with integrated storage, workspace, and electronic device support.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments may provide a bed with integrated features. The bed may be a bunk bed. The bed may include a baseboard, headboard, and a set of rails.

The headboard and/or baseboard may include a storage area. Some embodiments may include “box” elements with a base panel, face panel, rear panel, and top panel. The box element may define a storage area. The storage area may be accessed via a lift top. The lift top may be connected via a hinge to the top panel. The lift top may be divided into multiple sections such that the storage area may be accessed while a portion of the top panel still provides a flat work or storage surface.

The lift top may include a base and a back support. The base and back support may be perpendicular to each other and may form a portion of the top panel and face, respectively. The base and back support may be able to retain a user device such as a tablet or smart phone, or non- electronic items such as books, in an appropriate viewing or use position.

Some embodiments may include a reading light (and/or other lights), power source, and charging station. The reading light may be activated with at least a portion of the lift top is in an open position (e.g., using a pressure switch). The charging station may include various appropriate outputs or other features (e.g., wireless transmitters) that may be used to provide charging power to user devices. The power source may be able to connect to a wall outlet and may provide one or more such outlets, similar to a power strip.

In some embodiments, the storage area may house a folding lap desk. The folding lap desk may include a desktop and a pair of folding legs. The desktop may have a retaining lip in some embodiments. The storage area may include dedicated supports, racks, and/or other appropriate features for conveniently storing the folding lap desk.

The preceding Summary is intended to serve as a brief introduction to various features of some exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary features of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments are illustrated in the following drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a smart bed according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of a headboard of the smart bed of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the headboard of FIG. 2 with storage area exposed;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of the headboard of FIG. 2 with an exploded view of a lift top associated with the storage area of some embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the headboard of FIG. 2 with an exploded view of the lift top of some embodiments in an open position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of a lap desk included with some embodiments of the smart bed of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation view of a lap desk included with some embodiments of the smart bed of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front elevation view of the lap desk of some embodiments in a closed position;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevation view of the headboard of FIG. 2 with an exploded view of the lap desk of some embodiments stored in the lift top storage area of some embodiments; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a charging and lighting system included in some embodiments of the smart bed of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description describes currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of some embodiments, as the scope of the disclosure is best defined by the appended claims.

Various features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. Broadly, some embodiments generally provide a bed with additional workspace features.

The bed may be a bunkbed type bed, intended to be stacked with another such bed. The bed may include a headboard with a storage area. The lid to the storage area may include a support for tablets or other user devices, books, etc. Some embodiments may include integrated power or charging sources (or “charging stations”), reading (and/or other) lights, etc. The storage area may be able to house a folding lap desk provided by some embodiments.

A first exemplary embodiment may provide a bunk bed comprising: a storage area; and a hinged lid that provide access to the storage area, the hinged lid comprising a base and a back support.

A second exemplary embodiment may provide a bed comprising: a baseboard; a set of rails; and a headboard, wherein the headboard comprises a storage area with a lid.

A third exemplary embodiment may provide a headboard for a bed, the headboard comprising: a front panel; a pair of side panels coupled to the front panel such that the side panels are perpendicular to the front panel; a rear panel coupled to the side panels such that the rear panel is parallel to the front panel; a top panel coupled to the side panels, such that the top panel is perpendicular to the side panels and the front panel; and a desktop coupled to the side panels such that the desktop is parallel to the top panel.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a smart bed 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, the smart bed is a twin size bunk bed style bed. However, different embodiments may be implemented using different styles (e.g., standard or non-bunk bed style, a headboard only style, etc.) and/or sizes of bed (e.g., full, queen, king, etc.).

As shown, the bed may include a headboard 110, baseboard 120, and rails or frame 130. Different embodiments may include various different arrangements and/or sizes of elements. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that some embodiments may be implemented with various specific structural or decorative features, styles, etc. The various elements of the bed 100 may be coupled using appropriate fasteners or other appropriate elements (e.g., screws, pins, tabs and slots, etc.).

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of a headboard 110 of the smart bed 100. In this example, the headboard 110 includes a top panel 210, a pair of side panels 220, an integrated desktop feature 230, and a front panel 240. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various other elements are omitted or not labeled for clarity (e.g., a structural base of the headboard, bottom panel of the storage area, rear panel, etc.). In addition, various different specific embodiments may include various different types or arrangements of elements. Some embodiments may include a rear panel that extends from the top panel 210 to a bottom panel of the storage area.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the headboard 110 with storage area 310 exposed. In addition to exposing the storage area 310, lifting the left desktop 230 may provide access to various electronics 320 included with some embodiments. The electronics will be described in more detail in reference to FIG. 10 below.

As shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 3, the bed 100 of some embodiments may provide a flat desktop surface 230 that may be used for writing, crafts, reading, to support laptops or other devices, etc. When one or more of the surface elements are opened, access to storage 310 and electronics 320 may be provided.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of the headboard 110 with an exploded view of a lift top 410 associated with the storage area 310 of some embodiments. As shown, the lift top 410 may include one surface parallel with desktop 230 and another surface parallel with panel 240, such that the two surfaces may form a ninety degree angle at the exterior of the lift top 410.

The lift top 410 may be coupled to the desktop 230 using a hinge 420 or other appropriate element. The hinge may include, for instance, pin, leaf, and knuckle elements. The hinge may be made from various appropriate materials, such as metal, plastic, leather, etc.

In this example, the desktop 230 is split in half such that each lift top element 410 may be raised or lowered separately. Different embodiments may have different desktop arrangements (e.g., a single desktop, a desktop split into more than two elements (or split at a different location), etc.) and associated lift top (e.g., a single lift top for a single desktop, two lift tops for a split desktop, etc.).

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the headboard 110 with an exploded view of the lift top 410 of some embodiments in an open position. In this example, a tablet device 510 is supported in a viewing position by the open lift top 410.

Device 510 may be a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, and/or other electronic device that includes a display screen. In this example, the interior surface of the lift top 410 has a profile that is able to support the tablet 510 in an appropriate position for viewing and use without needing any external stands or clamps (although some embodiments may allow use of such additional support features). Such a profile may generally include a base with a retaining lip and a back support. The base and lip and back support may together allow a tablet, smartphone, book, etc. to be retained by the lift top 410 at an appropriate viewing or use angle as shown. Similarly, the lift top 410 may be able to support books, magazines, papers, etc.

Different embodiments may include different lift top profiles (and/or differing profiles between neighboring lift tops). For instance, a first lift top as shown may be optimized for tablets or other touchscreen devices, while a second lift top may be optimized for books or other physical media. In addition, the interior surface of the lift top may include various other features (e.g., local storage bins or cavities able to secure pens, pencils, etc.). As another example, some embodiments may include drink holders. As still another example, some embodiments may provide charging stands for smartphones or other devices (e.g., wearable devices). Some embodiments may include fasteners (e.g., straps, buttons, etc.) and/or other features (e.g., magnets) that may allow various items to be secured to the lift top (and/or other features of the bed).

FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of a lap desk 600 included with some embodiments of the smart bed 100. FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation view of the lap desk 600 included with some embodiments of the smart bed 100. FIG. 8 illustrates a front elevation view of the lap desk 600 of some embodiments in a closed position.

As shown, the lap desk 600 may include a desktop 610, and two folding legs 620. In a closed position, the legs 620 may be able to be folded into a recess in the back of the desktop 610. The lap desk 600 may provide additional work space for a user of the bed 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevation view of the headboard 110 with an exploded view of the lap desk 600 of some embodiments stored in the lift top storage area 310 of some embodiments. In this example, the desk 600 may rest on a shelf or other appropriate support (not shown) within the storage area 310.

In this example, the desk 600 is stored in the headboard 100, but other embodiments may provide similar storage in the baseboard 120. Likewise, the baseboard of some embodiments may include one or more flip tops, electronics, desktop, and/or other appropriate features.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a charging and lighting system 310 included in some embodiments of the smart bed 100. As shown, the electronics system 310 may include a power source 1010, a reading light 1020, and/or a pressure switch 1030.

The power source 1010 may be able to connect to a typical AC supply. In some embodiments, the power source may include a battery or other appropriate storage element. The power source may include various transformers, inverters, etc. that may be able to receive power (e.g., AC power) and provide appropriate power to various other elements (e.g., one or more DC outputs that may be used to charge various user devices 510). The power source 1010 may include various appropriate connectors (e.g., USB connectors, three prong receptacles, etc.).

The reading light 1020 may include one or more bulbs, LEDs, and/or other appropriate light sources. In addition, the reading light may include various adjustment elements (e.g., gooseneck, a stand with multiple pivot points, etc.) that may allow the light to be placed appropriately for use.

The pressure switch 1030 may be positioned such that the switch is open when the lift top 410 is closed (i.e., the light is deactivated) and the switch closes with the lift top is open (i.e., the light is activated). Some embodiments may include a user controlled switch, either in addition to or in place of the pressure switch 1030.

The foregoing relates to illustrative details of exemplary embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A bunk bed comprising: a storage area; and a hinged lid that provide access to the storage area, the hinged lid comprising a base and a back support.
 2. The bunk bed of claim 1 further comprising a pressure switch and a reading light, wherein the pressure switch and reading light are activated when the hinged lid is in an open position.
 3. The bunk bed of claim 1 further comprising at least one output able to charge an electronic user device.
 4. The bunk bed of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the hinged lid forms a ninety degree angle such that the exterior surface of the base is parallel to a top of the storage area and the exterior surface of the back support is parallel to a face of the storage area.
 5. The bunk bed of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of the hinged lid includes a lip extending from the base, the base and back support providing support for a user device such that the user device is retained at an appropriate viewing angle.
 6. The bunk bed of claim 1, wherein the storage area houses a folding lap desk.
 7. The bunk bed of claim 1, wherein the hinged lid comprises two separate portions that are able to articulated individually.
 8. A bed comprising: a baseboard; a set of rails; and a headboard, wherein the headboard comprises a storage area with a lid.
 9. The bed of claim 8 wherein the baseboard comprises a second storage area with a second lid
 10. The bed of claim 8, wherein an exterior surface of the lid traverses ninety degrees and has a base that is parallel to a top surface of the storage area when closed and a back support that is parallel to a face of the storage area when the lid is closed.
 11. The bed of claim 8, wherein an interior of the lid comprises: a base; and a back support, wherein the base and the back support are able to support a user device in an appropriate viewing position when the lid is open.
 12. The bed of claim 8, wherein the lid comprises at least two sections, each section coupled to a top surface of the storage area via a hinge.
 13. The bed of claim 8 further comprising: a reading light that is activated when the lid is open; and a charging station able to provide charging power to at least one user device.
 14. The bed of claim 8 further comprising a folding lap desk that is able to be housed within the storage area.
 15. A headboard for a bed, the headboard comprising: a front panel; a pair of side panels coupled to the front panel such that the side panels are perpendicular to the front panel; a rear panel coupled to the side panels such that the rear panel is parallel to the front panel; a top panel coupled to the side panels, such that the top panel is perpendicular to the side panels and the front panel; and a desktop coupled to the side panels such that the desktop is parallel to the top panel.
 16. The headboard of claim 15 further comprising a lift top that forms a portion of the top panel and a portion of the front panel, the lift top providing access to a storage area of the headboard.
 17. The headboard of claim 16, wherein an interior of the lift top comprises a support stand capable of retaining a flat item at an appropriate viewing angle.
 18. The headboard of claim 16 further comprising a folding lap desk housed within the storage area.
 19. The headboard of claim 18, wherein the folding lap desk comprises a flat desktop and a pair of folding legs.
 20. The headboard of claim 15 further comprising a reading light and charging station. 